Driving in Hong Kong

Temporary visitors can drive in Hong Kong with their domestic driving permit and International driver license for a period not exceeding 12 months. If overseas driving license holders are planning to stay in Hong Kong longer than one year, they must get a Hong Kong driving license. If foreign visitor holds a driver license from country which the Hong Kong Transport Department recognizes, he/she doesn’t need to pass a driving test for getting the Hong Kong driving license.

The main Hong Kong road traffic rules are:

All drivers must have third party insurance.

A valid vehicle license must be on the left side of the windscreen.

While driving, using cell phones without hands-free system is prohibited.

Traffic in Hong Kong flows on the left side of the road; overtake on the right side.

Children under the age of 15 years must be securely fastened in an approved child restraint suitable for their age and size.

Worded signs are written on two languages, English usually above Chinese. Signs with numbers (distances, speed limits, number of routes, parking time limits) are written on European digits.

The minimum driving age is: for cycle, private car, and light goods vehicle, 18 years; for commercial vehicles, 21 years.

Night driving is easy and safe in all urban areas; all streets, from main highways to residential areas, have good lighting.

Driver and all passengers must wear seatbelts; motorcyclists must wear helmets.

Vehicles which enter from minor roads must give way to traffic on main roads.

The established alcohol limit for drivers is: 22mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath; 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood; 67mg of alcohol per 100ml of urine.

Vehicles turning right must give way to oncoming traffic.

Vehicles over 6 years old must pass an annual Roadworthiness Test.

Hong Kong drivers must to pay an annual vehicle license fee according to engine size. For renewing a vehicle license, its owner must show the proof of identity and third party insurance, original car registration document and its roadworthiness certificate, and an appropriate fee.Major Hong Kong roads are classified into three categories: North-South and East-West routes, and New Territories Ring Road. A driver with more than 15 points in a two-year period may be disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving license for three months. For any following conviction, this term increases to six month.